- Check and maintain your car tyres
Just like us, our cars are made out of complex systems. However, while we can take care of ourselves, our cars need hands-on love and care to ensure that they are in their best shape on the road, especially during the rainy season.
One of the most essential maintenance tips for cars during the rainy season is to check on your car’s tyres. This is a crucial step to prevent road accidents.
To ensure your tyres are ready to hit the road, take the time to look at the tread depth of your tyres. Tires with deep treads have better friction, ensuring better grip on the road.
- Check your windshield wipers
When driving through heavy rain, the first thing that comes to mind would be to turn on the windshield wipers but what if your wipers suddenly stop working? An important car care tip for the rainy season is to always ensure your wipers are in tip-top condition. Check the rubber blades of your wipers for wear and tear or cracks on its surface. If worn out or damaged, opt to replace them immediately, especially during this rainy season. If your budget allows, look for higher quality blades that are likely to last longer and withstand hard weather and long-term use.
- Clean your windows and windshield
This is a simple car care tip, yet many of us forget to do it.
It is essential to regularly clean your car windows and windshields so that nothing obstructs your view. Besides maintaining a regular cleaning schedule and using basic car wash tools, using rain-repellent products is a great way to go the extra mile to prevent dirt from sticking on your car windshield during the rainy season.
- Park in shaded areas
A simple to-do would be to park your car in shaded areas to keep your car clean during the rainy season. You wouldn’t want leaves, twigs, or dirt to fall onto your car because of strong winds. Not only would this dirty your vehicle, but they can get in the crevices and clog up vital operating parts of your system.
Say no to unnecessary mess, take precautions and avoid parking in open areas.
- Inspect your car battery
The last thing you would want is for your car battery to fail on you during stormy weather, leaving you stranded by the roadside for hours.
Be sure to regularly check the age of your car battery; traditional car batteries typically last between 1 to 3 years, depending on your driving frequency and car model. Going by age is an easy way to know when to replace your car battery or you can pop by your car workshop and have them test the strength of your battery.
- Check your car headlights
When the weather gets gloomy, and the downpour is steady, bright headlights are your rescue. Not only are they essential to help with visibility when it rains, but they also allow other drivers on the road to notice your vehicle, preventing accidents. Headlights can also weaken during the rainy season because of condensation that happens inside the headlight cover which eventually weakens its brightness. So, be sure to pay attention to your headlights throughout the rainy season!
- Inspect your car brakes
A simple way to ensure your car brakes are in perfect working condition is to visually inspect the brake pads for wear and tear. The brake pads should have a thickness of at least 1/4 inch. Additionally, listen for odd sounds when you hit the brakes and pay attention to any irregularities. A common tell-tale sign that your brake pads need changing is a squeaking or squealing sound that occurs when you press the brakes.
- Avoid parking near big trees
Every rainy season brings news of fallen trees in housing areas, along the highways and in other common areas. It is best to avoid parking your car under or near trees as strong winds can cause branches or trees to fall on your car.
Some of these rainy season car care tips may seem common and obvious yet are often taken for granted. So, if you must hit the road, take time to check everything twice and have a smooth and safe drive.
Nelson Xavier Ssenyange
Team Leader
Germax Autos, Spares & Garage Ltd
Lukade Road, Naalya
0779250886/0752088734